Spring is definitely underway in the Watershed and we're seeing lots of great field work, cleanup efforts, and programs from our members throughout the region!

A quick thank you again to everyone who made our spring D.C. fly-in a success - we hope to see more even members join us next year! Read more about our Delaware River Watershed Hill Day and other updates, as well as the usual round up of funding, events, and jobs below.

CDRW Updates

Delaware River Watershed Hill Day - In early March, CDRW members and partners traveled to Washington D.C. to educate members of Congress on important issues for the Delaware River Watershed. Over 2 days, our group (19 individuals, representing 12 organizations) met with 28 offices from throughout the Watershed to build support for the DRBCA, LWCF, DRBC funding, as well as specific CDRW member's projects and concerns.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) - Thank you to everyone who responded to our call to action on LWCF funding - we had a great response from our Watershed's delegation! In total we had 18 of 23 signed on to the House letter and 7 of 8 on the Senate letter in support of robust funding for LWCF. Those who did not sign on are Representatives Garrett (NJ), Frelinghuysen (NJ), Dent (PA), Barletta (PA), Pitts (PA) and Senator Toomey (PA). This was also one of the asks we made on our Hill Day and our thrilled to see such a strong response for the region. As a reminder, if you did outreach to a member who signed on to the letter, be sure to thank them for their support!

The DRBC Regulated Flow Advisory Committee (RFAC) is holding a meeting on Tuesday, April 5 from 1-4 pm at Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center in Hawley, PA. Thanks again to those who joined our sign-on letter earlier this year to help encourage participation from all Decree Parties; at this point we are expecting at least 4 will be in attendance and hoping for all 5! This is an opportunity for a dialogue between watershed stakeholder and decision makers on critical reservoir management issues that impact the entire watershed. CDRW staff will be attending and hope you can join as well.

CDRW Website- Just a quick reminder to check out our new website at http://www.delriverwatershed.org/. This is a great tool for members to keep up with the work we do and easily access information like members lists, contact information, news and more! We've also set up a members portal for members to access additional information like our email updates, a calendar of events, and resources like presentations. The member page can be accessed using the password: CDRWmember1

New Office Space- CDRW has moved to 172 West State Street in Trenton, NJ. While just down the road from our old location, we're really excited for the new space which overlooks the State House Annex Building and the Delaware River. If you're in the area, feel free to let us know and drop by!

In the News

Highlands Conservation Act - Good news for the Highlands region, earlier this month Senator Gillibrand and Senator Murphy introduced legislation in the Senate to reauthorize the Highlands Conservation Act through 2021. This important program provides states federal funding for projects to promote conservation, tourism, and recreation in the Highlands region, covering a portion of the Delaware River Watershed in NJ and PA.

Brodhead Watershed Association - CDRW Member, BWA, was featured in a recent article in the Pocono Record. Read more their stream water sampling and green infrastructure efforts here.

Upcoming Events

NRCS RCPP Informational Call - The Land Trust Alliance is hosting a regional call to help land trusts learn how to utilize RCPP funds. Join experienced users of the program for a call on March 30 to discuss what land trusts can do to identify potential projects and partners, what “innovation” means to NRCS and the application process. For more information, contact Madeline at (madeline.emde@njaudubon.org).

25th Annual Christina River Watershed Cleanup - Join hundreds of volunteers on Saturday, April 9th to help protect natural resources by clearing trash and debris from the Brandywine Creek and its tributaries. Click here for information about registration and clean up sites throughout the watershed.

Musconetcong Watershed Association 24th Annual River Cleanup - From Lake Hopatcong to the Delaware River, the Musconetcong Watershed Association is seeking volunteers to help with its annual river clean-up on Saturday, April 16th. Lunch is on MWA! For more information or to register call Val at 908-537-7060 or email val@musconetcong.org.

The Delaware River Watershed Urban Waters Federal Partnership All Partners Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 2nd, at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. This year’s themes will include speakers, demonstrations, and strategies regarding Water Quality and Water Access, while incorporating Citizen Science and Youth Engagement.

TheMid-Atlantic Conference of the American Water Resources Association is scheduled for September 15 & 16 in Wilmington, DE and is currently accepting applications for oral presentations and posters relevant to the conference theme: “Solving Tomorrow’s Water Resource Challenges Today”. Click here for more information.

Funding

Regional Conservation Partnership Program - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for FY 2017 RCPP, which promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. NRCS will provide $260 million for projects across the country that address local and landscape-level resource priorities. Application Deadline is May 10. For more information, click here.

Climate Adaptation Fund - The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is accepting applications on-the-ground projects focused on implementing priority conservation actions for climate adaptation at a landscape scale. New this year, the Fund is expanding its focus and inviting applications for wildlife adaptation projects based in and around urban environments in addition to continued support for adaptation projects in less developed landscapes. Application Deadline is April 8. For more information, click here.

Integrating Human Health and Well-Being with Ecosystem Services Grant Program - EPA is accepting applications for community-based research projects that will foster better understanding of how human and well-being are interconnected with - and depend on - ecosystem services. Application Deadline is April 21. For more information, click here.

EPA 2016 Environmental Education Grants Program - Approximately $2.7 million of funding is available to support locally-focused Environmental Education projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provide the skills needed to make informed environmental decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment. Application Deadline April 8. For more information, click here.

Jobs/Internships

The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County is currently looking to fill two positions: Teacher/Naturalist and Outreach Coordinator. Both positions are based in Avondale, PA. For more information, visit their job page.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is also accepting applications for two positions: Land Protection Coordinator and Executive Director. Both positions are based in Hawley, PA. Deadline to apply for Executive Director is March 31. For more information, visit their job page.

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is hiring a part-time Program Coordinator, Nature Rx to help implement a new initiative aimed at getting kids and families outside, as well as many seasonal educator positions. For more information, visit their job page.